{ what would you do to save the planet? }

Earth Hour tomorrow night! Don't forget to turn off the lights. Whether you're a "global warming beliver" or not, saving energy is good. Technical science aside, I think we can all at least agree that fossil fuels are a finite resources, and after the recent nucleur plant disasters in Japan, and the fairly slow commertialsation and accessability of wind and solar energy generation, saving is the best option for now. Find out more about the movement here.

Images: Earth Hour

{ anthropocene }

A planet transformed by humanity. The age of the human. Systems thinking, and essential reading.

Images: Anthropocene

{ die kunste kom bymekaar - kknk 2012 }

Die Kunste Kom Bymekaar! The 18th Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) is running from 31 March to 7 April 2012, and represents a time when Afrikanerdom decends upon the little town of Oudtshoorn. This is normally a predominantly Afrikaans town, but it's really Afrikaans during the 'fees'. That said, you don't have to be Afrikaans to appreciate the smorgasbord of entertainment, arts, shopping, rides, wine and food on offer. This is a National festival so it really has something for everyone. 

My favourite part of the festival is the pedestrianisation of the centre of town. Streets are closed to allow stalls, street art, street theatre, and regular shops move out so that artists can move into their premises. The town is transformed for a week. There is of course criticism that the "traditional Boere fees" does not cater, or provide opportunities for "die bruin mense" (Yes, the debate is that racist! Madness), but transformation at this type of event takes time, and I think they're doing a pretty good job at securing a variety of shows and events, while supporting local talent and entrepreneurs, and maintaining a high quality, particularly in the theatre category, including the Kanna Awards for Afrikaans theatre being awarded at the festival. 

So, besides the shopping tents and fringe events, I really want to check out  the shows: Babbel, and My Boetjie, My Bra. The first is a post revolution tale where language has deteriorated. The best thing, it's an open air performance, on a 'koppie' on the edge of town, with some spectacular views, looking forward to the sunset performance!  Second on my "must see list" is a cabaret, humour piece brought to us by Emo and Loukman Adams, looking forward to some serious Afrikaans humour!! Tickets for these shows are R95 and R100 respectively, and it's a good idea to book as soon as possible. Check out the programme here. 

Photos and reviews to follow!

Images: KKNK

{ urban africa }

This week's website to watch is Urban Africa: News and Information about cities in Africa. Recognising that often academic writing, policy, and the implementation spatial plans, do not 'speak to each other', the main objective behind the multidisciplinary team behind Urban Africa is to "mainstream progressive debates on African urbanism through the stimulation of a dynamic online community, constituted by a diverse range of actors, dedicated to the topic of African urbanism". The site is managed and run by the African Centre for Cities (ACC), a 'think-tank' research and teaching programme based at the University of Cape Town (UCT) focused on identifying practical responses to issues around sustainable urbanism within Africa cities. Essential reading for anyone concerned about the future of our continent's cities. Join the conversation.

Images: Urban Africa 

{ cable car - venezuela }



Forget bus rapid transport! In the favela-esque settlements in Caracas, Venezuela, the solution was an airlift cable way! Brought to the area by the folks at Urban Think-Tank (see previous post on UTT here).